Experience Matters
“If elected as your Santa Fe County Magistrate Judge, I will bring more than a decade of courtroom experience, a strong work ethic, and an unwavering commitment to fairness, integrity, accountability, and equal justice under the law.”
- Michael Roybal
Ready to serve on day 1
Serving as a Magistrate Judge requires more than an understanding of the law—it requires firsthand knowledge of how our courts operate, how judicial decisions affect people’s lives, and how justice is administered every day.
For more than a decade, I have dedicated my career to New Mexico’s judicial system. Throughout that time, I have served in multiple roles within both the Santa Fe Magistrate Court and the First Judicial District Court, gaining valuable experience that has prepared me to serve the people of Santa Fe County with fairness, integrity, and professionalism.
Warrant Enforcement Clerk
Santa Fe Magistrate Court
My career began at the Santa Fe Magistrate Court, where I worked as a Warrant Enforcement Clerk. In this role, I became familiar with court procedures, warrant processing, and the day-to-day operations of the Magistrate Court. This position provided me with a strong foundation in the judicial system and introduced me to the responsibilities and importance of the Magistrate Court within our community.
Court Clerk
First Judicial District Court
As a Court Clerk, I gained experience supporting judges, attorneys, court staff, and members of the public. I worked with a wide variety of criminal and civil cases while ensuring court records, filings, and proceedings were handled accurately and efficiently. This role reinforced the importance of professionalism, attention to detail, and maintaining public confidence in the judicial process.
Court Monitor
First Judicial District Court
Serving as a Court Monitor allowed me to observe courtroom proceedings firsthand and work closely with judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, law enforcement officers, and litigants. This experience provided me with a deeper understanding of courtroom procedures, judicial decision-making, and the importance of maintaining order, fairness, and respect throughout every proceeding.
Pretrial Services Officer
First Judicial District Court
Today, I proudly serve as a Pretrial Services Officer with the First Judicial District Court. My responsibilities include conducting risk assessments, supervising defendants released pending trial, monitoring compliance with court-ordered conditions, preparing reports for the court, and working closely with judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, law enforcement agencies, and community partners along side treatment court.
This position requires balancing public safety with the rights of individuals while ensuring court orders are followed and defendants remain accountable. It has strengthened my understanding of the criminal justice system and reinforced the importance of thoughtful, informed judicial decision-making.
A Well-Rounded Perspective
My experience extends beyond a single courtroom or a single type of case. Throughout my career, I have worked with civil matters, criminal cases, traffic proceedings, domestic violence cases, and felony proceedings, giving me a broad understanding of the responsibilities entrusted to our courts.
Having served in multiple roles within the judiciary has allowed me to view the court system from different perspectives—working alongside judges, supporting court operations, interacting with attorneys, coordinating with law enforcement, and assisting members of the public. These experiences have prepared me to approach every case with fairness, professionalism, and respect for the rule of law.
Ready to Serve
Experience cannot be learned overnight. It is earned through years of service, continuous learning, and a commitment to the people we serve.